The 1995 competition (20): Manly, Canberra, Broncos, Sharks, Knights, Dogs, Roosters, Warriors, Penrith, Gold Coast, Souths, Parra and Cows plus Dragons (Saints/Steelers) and Tigers (Balmain/Wests) minus Crushers, Reds and Bears.
The 2024 landscape: Since 1995 we have shredded 3 Sydney-based clubs while significantly increasing the financial modelling and adding Melbourne (new territory) and Redcliffe (Brisbane could always support 2).
The League has learned a lot over the last twenty years, so there seems to be a pretty good argument to add Perth and Kiwi 2 while taking the public money on offer to implement the PNG / West Pasifika "Great Wall of Rugby League" strategy.
I flippantly add that poking the bear is always a dangerous move. Perhaps China could sponsor the whole competition, or dare I mention it, start a rebel one ... after all the skinny coach will be available shortly.